Getting Married in Zimbabwe
Getting married in Zimbabwe as a non-citizen to a Zimbabwean citizen
involves a legal process and certain requirements that you must follow.
The process can vary depending on your specific circumstances, but here
are the general steps:
Eligibility:
Ensure that both you and your Zimbabwean partner meet the legal
requirements for marriage in Zimbabwe. Typically, you must be of legal
age (usually 18 or older) and not already married to someone else.
Visit the Registrar’s Office:
Visit the nearest Registrar’s Office or district registry office in Zimbabwe. You can usually find a list of these offices on the official government website or inquire locally.
Complete Marriage Notice Forms:
Both you and your Zimbabwean partner will need to complete Marriage Notice Forms (Form 9) provided by the Registrar’s Office. These forms require personal details, including your names, addresses, occupations, and marital statuses.
Submit Required Documents:
Along with the completed forms, you will need to provide certain documents, which may include:
-Valid passports or identity documents for both parties.
-Birth certificates for both parties.
-Proof of citizenship for the Zimbabwean partner.
-Divorce decree absolute or death certificate (if either party has been previously married).
-Parental consent (if either party is under the legal age of marriage).
-Ensure that all documents are in order, and consider having them translated into English if necessary.
Notice of Marriage:
The Marriage Notice Forms are typically posted on the Registrar’s Notice Board for a period of 14 days. This is to allow for any objections to be raised if there are legal reasons why the marriage cannot proceed.
Objections:
If there are no objections or legal impediments raised during the 14-day period, the Registrar’s Office will issue a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage. This certificate confirms that there are no legal obstacles to your marriage.
Marriage License:
Once you have the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, you can apply for a marriage license from the Registrar’s Office. Pay any applicable fees.
Marriage Ceremony:
Schedule the marriage ceremony with the Registrar’s Office. You may have the choice of a civil or religious ceremony, depending on your preferences.
Witnesses:
You will need at least two witnesses who are of legal age and are present at the marriage ceremony. They will sign the marriage register as witnesses.
Marriage Certificate:
After the marriage ceremony, the Registrar’s Office will issue a marriage certificate, which serves as legal proof of your marriage. Make sure to obtain multiple copies of the certificate as you may need them for various purposes.
Registration:
Ensure that your marriage is properly registered with the Registrar’s Office.
Legalization and Recognition Abroad:
If you plan to use your Zimbabwean marriage certificate in your home country or for international purposes, check the requirements for its recognition and any necessary legalization or apostille procedures.
It’s advisable to contact the Registrar’s Office or seek legal advice to ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet the specific requirements for your marriage in Zimbabwe. Requirements and processes may change over time, so it’s essential to verify the current procedures with the relevant authorities.”
